School of Continuing Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Human Services

Committed to making a difference in the lives of others? Our Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Program* will equip you to serve individuals and families within the community, whether you're working directly with clients or with the organizations designed to provide social services. You'll leave Whitworth prepared to serve in a variety of social service occupations, including client services; social action; community development and advocacy; and leadership across human services agencies. The human services major is also a good option if your goal is to complete a master's degree in a social-service-related field or in a counseling and therapy program.

"My experience at Whitworth changed my life. It showed me how much the right support can help a person. I really enjoy being able to help others now."

Chana Fox

With three areas of concentration to choose from, you can tailor your degree to fit your interests and professional goals.

Snapshot

Course Format

Evening and hybrid-online courses

Locations

North Spokane, U-District

Average Completion Time

2-2.5 years with A.A. or select A.A.S. degree transfer4-5 years with no transfer credits

Program Overview

Classes meet in the evenings only once or twice weekly, along with occasional Saturdays.

Hybrid online classes meet about three times during each six-week course; the rest is online.

Your books are provided and delivered to you the first night of class.

Courses are available in north Spokane or downtown in the U-District.

Program Details

For Those With an A.A. or Select A.A.S. Degree

With an A.A. or select A.A.S. degree from a community college, you may transfer to Whitworth's human services program as a junior, receiving 60-64 semester credits toward your bachelor's degree. Attending part time, you can complete your degree in as little as two years.

Degree Requirements

Human Services Major - 36 credits

Complete the human services core requirements and choose a nine-credit area of concentration to tailor your degree to fit your goals.

Human Services Core (27 credits)

PO 320

American Political Process

3 credits

PO 371

Introduction to Public Administration

3 credits

SO 311W

Families and Society

3 credits

SO 368

The Helping Process in Social Services

3 credits

SO 466

Ethics in Public Service

3 credits

SO 425

Making Change: Social Intervention Strategies

3 credits

SP 351

Group Dynamics

3 credits

One course in career development

3 credits

One course in human diversity

3 credits

Area of Concentration (9 credits):

Leadership

PO 360 - Leading Sustainable Organizations (3 credits)

SO 315 - Funding & Grant Writing (3 credits)

LS 305 - Introduction to Public Service Leadership (3 credits)

Counseling

PY 101 - Introductory Psychology (3 credits)

PY 227 - Personality & Individual Differences (3 credits)

PY 358 - Psychopathology (3 credits)

Child & Family Services

PY 210 - Developmental Psychology (3 credits)

SO 370 - Delinquency & Juvenile Justice (3 credits)

SP 352 - Conflict Management (3 credits)

General Education Requirements & Electives

All adult education programs from Whitworth must include general education and elective coursework to complete degree requirements. Some of the requirements may be met by courses offered in the major. Check with an advisor for details.

Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate - 126

Total credits needed at Whitworth will vary depending on credits transferred from other institutions and/or those earned on college-level examinations.

What type of job can I get?

A degree in human services will prepare you to work in a variety of occupations. You may also choose to further your education with a master's degree in areas such as counseling and therapy or social work. Employment opportunities include the following areas: